24 SEPTEMBER 2025 what a person is saying,” McPherson said. “Jumping in front of the distress immediately is necessary so that it does not turn into a crisis.” To learn more about the resources mentioned, visit: kateymcpherson.com azspc.org teenlifeline.org vialindabehavioral.com hopeinstitute.org notmykid.org communitybridgesinc.org bark.us By Rachael Bouley September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to reflect and acknowledge lives lost to mental health struggles, and the loved ones forever impacted by those losses. It’s also an opportunity to generate awareness of alarming suicide statistics and what can be done to better support people of all ages going through tough times. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15 to 44-year-olds in Arizona. Almost four times as many people die from suicide than in alcohol-related vehicle accidents. Arizona ranks 14th in the USA for suicide death rates, and the total deaths to suicide reflect 28,597 years of potential life lost before age 65. The Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition (AZSPC) has 30 member organizations on a mission to increase awareness, intervention, and action to address the ongoing mental health crisis. Katey McPherson is one of the many passionate mental health advocates who share in the journey to reduce suicide rates and save lives. Her personal experience as a mother to four teens and her professional history as an educator, guidance counselor and school administrator inspired her to spread awareness. For the past decade, McPherson has traveled around the country to teach school staff and parents about digital wellness and safety. She encourages an “all hands on deck” approach, achieved by normalizing conversations about mental health and including everyone, from parents and teachers to law enforcement and government leaders. McPherson says Arizona is making strides to address the alarming suicide rates and strengthen community resources. “School ID cards have Teen Lifeline on the back and the 988 crisis line has been a great value add. The hiring of social workers on elementary and middle school campuses and the addition of the Via Linda Pediatric Crisis Unit and the Hope Institute continue to put the Valley on the map,” McPherson said. In a first for the state, the Arizona Department of Health Services has put together several study groups digging into the issue of suicide across adolescents, middle- aged, and elderly age groups. The AZDHS is issuing a State of the Union to highlight updated efforts and resources. McPherson recommends resources in Scottsdale and surrounding areas, such as Via Linda Hospital, which offers specialized mental health treatment for acute inpatient or intensive outpatient care, and the Hope Institute, which provides short-term outpatient care with individual and group counselling to address suicidality and stabilize those in urgent need. notMYkid is a nonprofit offering practical tools and compassionate guidance to support families in navigating teen mental health and substance use, and Community Bridges, Inc. offers integrated behavioral health and addiction treatment. Another tool families can utilize is Bark, an AI app for parents and school staff that has built-in software for safer technology use. McPherson is Bark’s director of professional development, and she explained that the parental control app scans texts, emails, and 30+ social media platforms and apps to identify cyberbullying, profanity, adult content, suicidal ideation, and other threats. Parents and caregivers receive text or email alerts when potential problems pop up, with options to block apps and websites, monitor locations, and manage screen time. “The Bark app, phone, and watch are amazing resources to be alerted to distress and any sort of mental health and typical kid issues, to include predation, drugs, and alcohol offers or use, which all tie to suicide prevention,” McPherson said. “These products allow parents to baby step into giving access to calls and texts without giving access to the explicit and outrageous content that can cause distress.” With more conversations and resources about mental health, Arizona families can take proactive steps to protect their loved ones. “I would say that the best thing loved ones can do is to support kids and anyone in distress with good nutrition, routines, sunshine, water and empathy,” McPherson added. Active listening and paying attention to verbal cues of distress, comments about not being around anymore, and giving away personal items can help identify mental health struggles and suicidal concerns sooner. “It is important to take distress seriously and not to underestimate Empathy, urgency key to suicide prevention and mental health Katey McPherson SUICIDE DATA: ARIZONA Suicide is a public health problem and leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide can also be prevented – more investment in suicide prevention, education, and research will prevent the untimely deaths of thousands of Americans each year. Unless otherwise noted, this fact sheet reports 2023 data from the CDC, the most current verified data available at time of publication (May 2025). Courtesy of afsp.org

25 SEPTEMBER 2025 T he City of Phoenix continues to roll out community-centered initiatives designed to improve neighborhood safety, enhance quality of life, and encourage civic engagement.  Phoenix residents and businesses can now take part in the yard sign pilot program, an effort to remind drivers to slow down in neighborhoods where children and pedestrians are often present. The free yard signs are designed with bold colors and clear messages to catch drivers’ attention. Two options are available: A blue and gold vertical sign that reads “Slow Your Roll – Kids at Play” A red and gold horizontal sign that reads “Arrive Alive, Drive 25” Signs can be picked up at five Phoenix Parks and Recreation community centers or at City Hall (200 W. Washington St.).  August marked National Stop on Red Week, a campaign to reduce red-light running and related accidents. Phoenix drivers are reminded to always stop at red lights, including when school buses extend their stop signs and flash red lights. With schools back in session, caution in neighborhoods and school zones is more important than ever.     Phoenix is refreshing its approach to homelessness and is seeking resident input. The city has outlined five focus areas to prevent homelessness, shorten its duration, and provide stronger long-term support. Residents can learn more and provide feedback at phoenix.gov/solutions.    Phoenix Public Library cardholders can receive two free general admission tickets to select Phoenix Rising FC games. Tickets are available first-come, first-served at library service desks and can be redeemed on game day at the stadium box office. Library cardholders can also purchase additional tickets for $16 each.  The Community Canopy grant, offered through the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, provides free trees and planting support. Single-family homes may receive up to two trees, businesses and multi-family residences up to 20, and neighborhoods between 30 and 200. Recipients also receive supplies to ensure planting success. From driver awareness campaigns to free entertainment and environmental efforts, there’s something for everyone to get involved in. For more information, visit the City of Phoenix website or your local community center. Happy September! Councilman Kevin Robinson PHX community initiatives WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Thanks to that trusty Arcadia Living Facebook group and our super helpful neighbors, Arcadia News was able to connect with Elaine Ajamie, John and Mary Casciato’s daughter. The couple was pictured on the September 1995 cover, celebrating their almost 40 years in the area. John continued living in the neighborhood until his passing in 2013. We asked Elaine what she’d like to share with readers, and this is what she said: “Mary and John Casciato made their Arcadia home a sanctuary of love and tradition for 52 years, leaving behind a rich legacy rooted in faith, family and food. Their Catholic faith was the foundation of their lives. As devoted parishioners of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church since 1956, Mary and John instilled faith in their three children, six grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren – who now continue that legacy with six great-great-grandchildren. Family was everything to them. Even into their 90s, the home remained a warm gathering place where loved ones dropped by for coffee, cookies and conversation. The Casciato family continues to honor their heritage through recipes passed down through generations – homemade Italian favorites like shadone (Italian ‘Easter’ pie), Easter bread, braciole, pizzelles and more. The home they filled with faith, laughter and the aroma of Italian cooking still belongs to the family, a living testament to the enduring spirit of Mary and John.” ARCADIANEWSARCHIVES.COM 30 YEARS AGO Councilman District 6 602-262-7491 District6@phoenix.gov KEVIN ROBINSON